The Backstretch

Corey Heim is proving he belongs.
The part-time driver earned his second Cup Series victory of the season, this time at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Just how impressive is what Heim is doing with limited opportunities?
In Season 5, Episode 27 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Heim's latest statement win, the future of NASCAR's schedule, and one of the biggest Silly Season stories yet.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Reports suggest NASCAR is planning major playoff schedule changes for 2027, with Bristol, Darlington, and World Wide Technology Raceway potentially moving out of the postseason while Richmond, Watkins Glen, and New Hampshire move in. How significant would those changes be?
Alex Bowman announces he will retire following next season. It's early, but speculation about who replaces him has already begun. Does it matter this far in advance?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ty GibbsTy Gibbs joins the show to discuss his improved season, building momentum, and the confidence that comes with becoming a consistent contender in the Cup Series.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Ryan Blaney and John Hunter Nemechek react after the incident that cost Blaney the In-Season Challenge. Nemechek apologized—but if you're constantly in the middle of incidents, is saying "sorry" enough?
Frustration boils over on the radios of the No. 4 and No. 88 teams. Are these simply emotional moments, or signs of bigger issues for two teams that expected much more this season?
🛠 Pit NotesWith NASCAR taking the weekend off, Chris Carrier looks at the most improved teams of 2026. Spire Motorsports tops the list, with the No. 77 climbing 18 spots in the standings from a year ago. Daniel Suárez has also made an 18-position jump from the 7 car's position last season, while Ty Gibbs and Chris Buescher continue trending in the right direction. Which team has made the biggest leap, and who's positioned for a strong playoff run?
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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Joey Logano is back in Victory Lane.
Logano snapped a year-long winless streak at North Wilkesboro, becoming the first Ford driver not named Ryan Blaney to win this season. After back-to-back victories for Ford, has the manufacturer finally found something?
In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Logano's breakthrough win, Ford's recent momentum, and the biggest storylines heading into one of NASCAR's crown jewel events.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
NASCAR is bringing back 50-minute practice sessions at every track except the superspeedways. Will more practice make the racing better, and does it really matter?
Todd Gilliland advances to face Ryan Blaney in the In-Season Challenge championship, giving fans a second straight Cinderella story in the finals. Does the tournament matter to drivers and fans?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Denny HamlinDenny joins the show to discuss his remarkable season, the championship battle, and what it takes to stay at the top of the sport after more than two decades in the Cup Series.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Shane van Gisbergen's radio after an impressive fifth-place finish on the oval at North Wilkesboro. Has SVG proven he's more than just NASCAR's best road course racer, and is he now a legitimate playoff contender?
A crucial spotter call from Frankie Kimmel on the No. 7 team during green-flag pit stops helps keep the team on the lead lap after contact between the No. 48 and No. 45. Chris explains why spotters can make the difference between a top-10 finish and a disappointing day.
🛠 Pit NotesNASCAR heads to the legendary Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to conquering one of racing's most historic venues, from passing opportunities and pit strategy to avoiding costly mistakes at the Racing Capital of the World.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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#NASCAR #DennyHamlin #JoeyLogano #Brickyard400 #IndianapolisMotorSpeedway #FordPerformance #ShaneVanGisbergen #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

Ryan Blaney survives a wild night at Atlanta to score a huge victory—and suddenly he's right in the middle of the regular season championship conversation.
In Season 5, Episode 25 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down one of the most chaotic races of the season and look ahead to another historic weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
NASCAR has announced rules changes ahead of Daytona. Will they actually make a difference when the field heads to the high banks?
Once again, the race came down to the closing laps and no one was willing to work with Carson Hocevar. Has his reputation officially changed the way other drivers race him—and does it matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Christopher BellChristopher Bell joins the show to discuss his season, the pressure of racing for wins, and what it takes to stay in the championship hunt as the playoffs draw closer.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
A rare moment of frustration on the No. 24 team radio. William Byron entered the season as a championship favorite, but now finds himself dangerously close to the playoff cut line. What's behind the struggles?
Tempers flare between Toyota teammates after an on-track incident. Is this simply hard racing, or could it become a bigger issue as the championship battle heats up?
🎙 Backstretch ConversationNoah Gragson joins the show to talk about the highs and lows of the season, maintaining confidence through adversity, and why his connection with NASCAR fans continues to grow.
🛠 Pit NotesFor the first time in three decades, North Wilkesboro Speedway hosts a NASCAR Cup Series points race. Chris Carrier explains what makes the historic short track so unique, how teams will approach the weekend, and why patience and track position could decide the winner.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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Chase Briscoe is back in Victory Lane.
After a slow start to the season, Briscoe and the No. 19 team have found their rhythm just in time for the summer stretch. But with another Toyota in Victory Lane, the bigger question is becoming impossible to ignore.
In Season 5, Episode 24 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Briscoe's breakthrough win and whether Toyota's recent dominance should have Ford and Chevrolet worried.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Toyota continues to stack wins. Is this just another cycle in NASCAR, or is the balance of power shifting? At what point should the other manufacturers become concerned?
NASCAR is in the middle of three consecutive Sunday night races. Fans have strong opinions about start times—but do they actually matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Daniel SuárezDaniel joins the show to discuss his season, staying motivated through the ups and downs of a long NASCAR schedule, and what it will take to build momentum heading into the second half of the year.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Ryan Preece's practice radio sparks a debate about what should—and shouldn't—be fair game when it comes to team communications.
Austin Hill and Shane van Gisbergen have become unlikely "best friends" after their recent on-track exchanges.
Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith continue to add fuel to a growing rivalry. Are these kinds of feuds exactly what NASCAR needs?
🛠 Pit NotesNASCAR heads to EchoPark Speedway for one of the most unpredictable races of the season. Chris Carrier breaks down what it takes to win at Atlanta's high-speed drafting track, including manufacturer alliances, pit strategy, and surviving the closing laps when everything is on the line.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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Shane van Gisbergen does it again. With another road course victory at Sonoma, SVG is now just two wins behind Jeff Gordon for the most road course victories in NASCAR Cup Series history. Is he already the greatest road course racer the sport has ever seen? In Season 5, Episode 23 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down another dominant performance by SVG and what his continued success means for NASCAR.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Multiple reports suggest Dodge could return to the NASCAR Cup Series as early as next season. We always knew it was the goal—but does the timeline matter? For the second straight year, the No. 1 seed is eliminated in the opening round of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament. Coincidence or a sign that seeding doesn't matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Alex Bowman Alex Bowman joins the show to discuss his season, the return to Chicagoland Speedway, and the mindset drivers take into one of the most anticipated weekends of the year.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Cody Ware and the No. 51 team feel they aren't getting the respect they deserve. Has it become time for the garage to take that team more seriously? The incident that sent Denny Hamlin spinning at Sonoma. Did Carson Hocevar really cause the wreck, or did the crash actually begin several rows behind the leaders? Chris Carrier breaks down how superspeedway-style chain reactions can happen at road courses, too.
🎙 Backstretch Conversation Recent first-time Cup Series winner Corey Heim joins the show to talk about earning his breakthrough victory, balancing part-time opportunities, and what's next in his NASCAR career.
🛠 Pit Notes After seven years away, NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down what teams should expect from the aging intermediate track, how the surface has changed, and the keys to winning as the Cup Series returns to one of its former staples.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

Corey Heim pulls off a surprise victory on NASCAR's historic street course at Naval Base Coronado, adding another chapter to what's already been an unpredictable season.
In Season 5, Episode 22 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Heim's breakthrough win and what it means for one of NASCAR's brightest young stars.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The legendary IROC Series is making a comeback as part of IndyCar's Freedom 250 weekend, with racing icons including Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Tony Kanaan, and Hélio Castroneves expected to compete. Is bringing IROC back a great idea, and does it matter to today's fans?
The legal battle between Joe Gibbs Racing and Spire Motorsports continues as Spire files a countersuit. Does this ongoing lawsuit have any real impact on what happens on the race track?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with William ByronWilliam Byron joins the show to discuss his season, the challenges of adapting to NASCAR's newest street course, and what it takes to consistently compete for wins.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Sheldon Creed and Jesse Love react after a fan somehow makes it onto the racing surface during the O'Reilly Series race. The moment was memorable—but it ended with the fan being arrested by NCIS after entering the Naval Base.
Noah Gragson voices his frustration following hard racing with Kevin Magnussen. Which side are you on—Team Noah or Team Kevin?
🎙 Backstretch ConversationAJ Allmendinger joins the show ahead of his 500th career NASCAR Cup Series start, reflecting on the milestone, his longevity in the sport, and what has kept him competing at the highest level for nearly two decades.
🛠 Pit NotesNASCAR heads to Sonoma Raceway, and Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success on one of the premier road courses on the schedule. From braking zones and tire conservation to elevation changes and passing opportunities, Chris explains what it takes to conquer wine country.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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Denny Hamlin wins for the third straight week.
At this point, what else can you say? One of NASCAR's all-time greats continues to add to his legacy while proving he can still compete with the sport's best week after week.
In Season 5, Episode 21 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's incredible run and what it means as the NASCAR season heads into a critical stretch.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The bracket is officially set for NASCAR's In-Season Tournament. Now in its second year, is the tournament becoming a meaningful part of the schedule?
Chris Buescher re-signs with RFK Racing, taking another major name off the Silly Season board. Does it matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Cole CusterCole joins the show to talk about his season, adapting to changing circumstances, and the challenges drivers face at Coronado Navy Base 
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 20 team gambles on fuel mileage in an attempt to win the race. The strategy doesn't work and the team finishes deep in the field. Was the risk worth taking?
Connor Zilisch voices his frustration after another early exit. Is this simply rookie growing pains, or has everything that can go wrong gone wrong for the young driver?
🎙 Backstretch ConversationThis week's special guest segment features Cadillac Formula 1 father-son duo Greg and Aiden Price. We discuss motorsports development, racing opportunities, and the growing connection between different racing disciplines.
🛠 Pit NotesNASCAR heads to one of the most unique venues on the schedule — the new street course at Naval Base Coronado. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success on a brand-new circuit where teams will be learning in real time.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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#NASCAR #DennyHamlin #ColeCuster #ChrisBuescher #ConnorZilisch #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries #Motorsports #CadillacF1 #StreetCourseRacing

Denny Hamlin wins for the second straight week and continues his march up the NASCAR record books. In Season 5, Episode 20 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's latest victory and what it means as he ties Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Josh Berry announces he won't return to the Wood Brothers next season, creating another unexpected Silly Season storyline. Does it matter? NASCAR begins a stretch of unique tracks starting with Pocono. How much does this part of the schedule change the championship picture? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ricky joins the show to discuss his season, navigating the ups and downs of the Cup Series schedule, and what drivers face as NASCAR heads to one of its most unique tracks. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Drivers react after the massive crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott at Michigan Bell suffered a broken hand but plans to race at Pocono The No. 11 team reacts after an accident Carson Hocevar may or may not have caused Bubba Wallace had a conversation with Hocevar after the race about choosing his spots — does Hocevar need to adjust his aggressive driving style? 🎙 Backstretch Conversation NHRA legend Ron Capps joins the show to talk racing, competition, and the similarities and becoming a Legend of Thunder Valley 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews Pocono Raceway and breaks down the keys to winning at the Tricky Triangle, including strategy, shifting, braking zones, and why Pocono rewards drivers who can adapt quickly. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won't hear

Denny Hamlin wins at Nashville and moves one step closer to NASCAR history.
In Season 5, Episode 19 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's 62nd career Cup Series victory, putting him just one win behind Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. At 45 years old, Hamlin continues to perform at an elite level — but just how impressive is this run?
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The Nashville race lasted more than four hours, prompting Denny Hamlin to suggest shortening the event to 300 miles. Does race length matter?
Corey Heim is officially announced as the driver of the No. 35 car next season, replacing Riley Herbst. Another young driver is making the jump to a full-time Cup ride — how important is that for the sport?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Carson HocevarMichigan native Carson Hocevar joins the show to discuss his season, racing in front of a home-state crowd, and the challenges of competing at NASCAR's highest level.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 6 team reacts after an incident involving Austin Dillon and the No. 3 car
NASCAR declines to penalize Dillon, citing throttle data discussed on the Hauler Talk podcast
More frustration surfaces from the No. 12 team late in the race — was it directed at Shane van Gisbergen or simply the product of hard racing at Nashville?
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Michigan International Speedway and explains the keys to winning at one of NASCAR's fastest intermediate tracks, where momentum, clean air, and fuel strategy often decide the race.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
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One week after the tragic and unexpected loss of Kyle Busch, the NASCAR community continues to reflect on the impact he had on the sport, the garage, and generations of racers.
In Season 5, Episode 18 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier open the show by sharing memories of Kyle Busch and discussing what his loss means to NASCAR. Chris also reflects on his team's relationship with Kyle Busch Motorsports and the influence Busch had on young drivers throughout the sport.
🎙 Special Conversation with Doug RiceIn the hours following Kyle Busch's passing, Heather spoke with Doug Rice of the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about Busch's legacy, his place in NASCAR history, and the lasting impact he leaves behind.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Daniel Suárez wins the rain-shortened Coca-Cola Almost 600, earning his first victory with Spire Motorsports and the organization's second win of the season. Does it matter that the race didn't go the full distance?
Rain impacted every major race of the weekend. How much should shortened events affect how we view the results?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Michael McDowellMichael joins the show to discuss the season so far, the challenges of racing through changing conditions, and what teams are focused on as NASCAR heads into the summer stretch.
🛠 Pit NotesChris Carrier previews Nashville Superspeedway and breaks down the keys to winning in Middle Tennessee, from track position and tire management to the importance of execution on restarts.
This week's episode is part reflection, part racing conversation, and a reminder of the people who make this sport special.
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#NASCAR #KyleBusch #MichaelMcDowell #DougRice #DanielSuarez #NashvilleSuperspeedway #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries